Summary of AIDC-driven ESS Battery Expert Call Industry Overview - The focus of the call was on AIDC-driven ESS (Energy Storage Systems) batteries, highlighting the rapid growth in demand due to AI-driven data centers, electrification, and changes in power supply architecture [2][6][7]. Key Companies Discussed - **Sungrow**: Potential for re-rating due to direct sales to data centers on new use cases [2]. - **CATL**: Recognized as a global leader in ESS batteries [2]. - **LGES**: Well-positioned to capture opportunities in the US ESS market [2]. Core Insights - **Global ESS Battery Shipments**: Expected to exceed 600 GWh in 2025, representing over 70% year-on-year growth. GGII forecasts a 20% growth in 2026 to 750 GWh, with a long-term CAGR of 20% from 2025 to 2030, reaching 1.5 TWh [5][6]. - **Chinese Market Growth**: Chinese shipments projected to reach 580 GWh in 2025, up 76% year-on-year. Q3 2025 shipments were 165 GWh, a 65% increase year-on-year [5]. - **Overseas Market Expansion**: 2025 is seen as a pivotal year for overseas ESS markets, with strong order momentum from regions like the Middle East, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Chinese manufacturers exported 11 GWh to Eastern Europe in Q3 [5][6]. Demand Drivers - **AIDC ESS Demand**: Currently only 2% of global ESS battery shipments (15 GWh), but expected to grow at an 82% CAGR to 300 GWh by 2030, driven by increased electricity consumption in data centers [6][7]. - **Data Center Power Supply Changes**: The shift from traditional UPS systems to advanced solutions like 800V HVDC is transforming ESS systems from optional to necessary [7]. Competitive Landscape - Major Chinese players such as Huawei, CATL, Sungrow, and Hithium are leading in AIDC ESS solutions. The competition with Japanese and Korean players is intensifying in the US due to IRA policy [7]. - Chinese manufacturers are expected to capture a significant market share outside the US due to advantages in product quality, cost, and service [7]. Future Outlook - GGII anticipates a nearly 100% green energy mix for AIDC power generation by 2030, with significant implications for the ESS market [6]. - The integration of long-duration ESS systems is expected to become standard practice in AIDC facilities, enhancing energy efficiency and meeting long-duration power requirements [7]. Additional Insights - The report highlights the importance of policy-driven demand and supportive measures in China as key factors for the surge in shipments [5]. - The competitive dynamics in the AIDC ESS industry are still evolving, with ongoing developments from key players summarized in the report [7][17].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a shift in investment ratings for the EV and solar industries, with a more favorable outlook for energy storage systems (ESS) and critical minerals compared to solar and wind [16]. Core Insights - The "One Big Beautiful Bill" accelerates the phaseout of EV subsidies, expiring on September 30, 2025, compared to December 31, 2032, under the original IRA [16]. - The report highlights stricter restrictions on foreign entities, particularly from China, affecting the eligibility for investment tax credits (ITC) and advanced manufacturing production credits (AMPC) [16][17]. - There is a notable increase in domestic content requirements to qualify for additional credits, which may impact the cost structure for manufacturers [16][17]. Summary by Sections Part 1: EV Consumer Tax Credits - The final assembly of EVs must occur in North America to qualify for tax credits, with a maximum credit of $7,500 [6]. - Key requirements include MSRP limits of $80,000 for SUVs and $50,000 for other vehicles, with critical minerals and battery component restrictions starting in 2024 and 2025 respectively [6][7]. Part 2: Residential Clean Energy Credit - The residential clean energy credit remains at 30% for expenditures through December 2032, decreasing to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 [10]. - No credits will be available for expenditures made after December 31, 2034 [10]. Part 3: ITC - The business tax credit for investment in zero-emission power and energy storage property is set at 30% of capital expenditures, with additional bonuses for domestic content [12]. - The credit rate will phase out based on the date of construction start, with specific thresholds for solar and energy storage systems [12]. Part 4: Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit - The AMPC will phase out for eligible components produced and sold, with a stricter non-PFE threshold compared to the Senate draft [13]. - The report emphasizes that projects with "effective control" by prohibited foreign entities will not receive credits, impacting U.S. battery production using Chinese components [16][17]. Key Changes vs. IRA - The report outlines significant changes from the original IRA, including the introduction of PFE restrictions and a more stringent domestic content requirement for tax credits [16]. - The overall stance on China has become tougher, with implications for U.S. manufacturers relying on foreign supply chains [16].

Investment Rating - The report initiates CATL-H with an Overweight (OW) rating and a price target (PT) of HK$400, indicating a 25% upside from the previous close. CATL-A is upgraded to OW with a PT of Rmb370 from Not Rated [2][6]. Core Insights - The Chinese EV battery supply chain stocks have rebounded by 8-17% since April, driven by CATL-H's strong performance post-listing and ongoing investment interest in solid-state batteries [2]. - Industry capacity utilization rates have improved, with key players achieving over 80% utilization in the second half of 2024, leading to a new capital expenditure (capex) cycle [5][10]. - Battery prices have stabilized after significant declines, with some players in the energy storage system (ESS) segment experiencing price recovery due to strong demand [5][10]. Summary by Sections Industry Capacity Utilization - The report notes a recovery in industry capacity utilization rates, with improvements seen in 2024, particularly in the second half, driven by better-than-expected demand for EVs and ESS [10][12]. - A significant increase in new orders for battery equipment is anticipated in 2025, with top suppliers expecting over a 45% increase compared to 2024 [5][12]. Battery Prices and Market Dynamics - Battery prices for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) have decreased by 40-60% from their peak in late 2022/early 2023, but have stabilized in 2024 despite a further 20% drop in lithium carbonate prices [5][10]. - Select ESS battery manufacturers have seen a small price recovery, attributed to robust domestic and international demand [5]. Financial Performance and Projections - CATL's shipments for EV and ESS batteries are projected to reach 475 GWh in 2024, up from 390 GWh in 2023, with a strong performance expected in the second half of 2024 [31]. - The report provides a detailed comparison of battery makers' financial results, highlighting CATL's gross profit margin (GPM) improvements and net profit per unit stability [35][40]. Market Share and Competitive Landscape - CATL continues to dominate the Chinese EV battery market, with a significant share in both domestic and overseas markets, while competition remains intense among local players [7][38]. - The report discusses the implications of Chinese OEMs shortening payment terms to suppliers, expressing skepticism about its impact on material suppliers' cash flow [5].